07/19/2012
A mountain bike donation from Breakaway Bikes is enabling Kalamazoo
Valley Public Safety officers to assist students and staff in a new way. “It
will get us out of the car and make us more approachable,” said Public Safety
Officer Majida Beattie, who accepted the donation from Paul Wells of the
Portage Breakaway Bikes shop.
In addition to the Trek 3500 mountain bike, Wells donated a
tire pump, lock, spare tube and water bottle carrier. “I think this is a good
thing to do,” Wells said of the donation. “They’ll be able to use it to patrol
here, there and everywhere – including the trail at Al Sabo.”
Wells said the bike’s seat can be easily raised or lowered to accommodate
multiple users.
Beattie said the bike will enable officers to move quickly across campus, while
becoming more approachable to students and staff. The savings in gas is an
added benefit, she said.
Wells estimated the value of the donation at $600. Kenneth Colby, Director of
Public Safety, said he appreciates Wells’ support of the college’s public
safety department. “Adding bike patrol to our efforts will enhance our
community policing abilities,” Colby said. “We’ll be more visible and it will
be easier to interact with the campus community.”
